Question:

My son is in Grade 3. He battles to read and reverses some of his letters like b and d and p and q. Should I be concerned that he has dyslexia?

A: Dyslexia is a very specific reading difficulty that is associated with an inability to translate written language to speech and vice versa.There are a number of different behaviours that may signal dyslexia in a child, although the presence of one single behaviour does not indicate dyslexia for certain.

Things to look out for include the following:

• Difficulty with learning and remembering printed words.
• Letter reversal (b for d, p for q), number reversals (6 for 9), and changed order of letters in words (tar for rat, quite for quiet) or numbers(12 for 21).
• Leaving out or inserting words while reading.
• Confusing vowel sounds or substituting one consonant for another (sting for sling).
• Persistent spelling errors.
• Difficulty writing.

Other characteristics sometimes include:

• Delayed or inadequate speech development especially the inability to speak in sentences.
• Trouble picking the right word to fi t the meaning desired when speaking.
• Problems with direction (up and down)and time (before and after, yesterday and tomorrow).
• Clumsiness.
• Difficulty following a sequence of instructions,for example, open the cupboard, take out a cup, go to the tap, pour some water into the cup, drink the water.
• An inability to say words that rhyme, for example, what rhymes with cat?

If you do suspect that your son may be dyslexic,it is important that he visit an educationalpsychologist for an assessment as soon as possible. Early intervention is best as strategies can then be put in place to support your son’s reading.

Resources:

• www.brainpowergames.co.za (Remedial spelling and reading games for children and adults with dyslexia).
• www.dyslexia.com (Information and resources for dyslexia).
• Das J P (2001) Reading Difficulties and Dyslexia.New Jersey: Sarka Educational Resources Inc.
• www.healthscout.com